Qamar Ahmed: Test cricket under lights soon (16 July 1997)

Wednesday 16, July 1997

Test cricket under lights soon

FROM QAMAR AHMED in London

Following the meeting of the Test captains at Lord's on Friday and a meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Committee on Saturday it has been decided that from September 1 this year teams can use floodlights in Test cricket providing the involved countries agree before a Test series and provided the facilities are there.

But the light could only be turned on to assist play in adverse natural light within the normal agreed playing hours. Which means that from next September there will be no excuse of fading light if the arrangements are there and the respective cricket boards have already agreed. The lights could only be used in the scheduled playing hours which means that suggestions that Test cricket could be played in day and night like some of the one-days is still not on. Day/night Test cricket however be a reality in a few years if changes to the game continue to bring in new rules and conditions as they are now to compliment the demands of satellite television and the amount of money involved in advertising and marketing.

The Cricket Committee meeting headed by Sir Clyde Walcott, the former chairman of the ICC and now the head of the committee was attended by former Test players Dr. Ali Bacher, Steve Camacho and Doug Insole.

The Committee also decided that the two short pitched deliveries (bouncers) which was allowed on experimental basis had been a success and would continue in Tests.

The other very important decision by the ICC Committee was to allow the third umpire/TV system to determine whether or not a catch has been taken cleanly. In case of the umpire at the bowlers' end not sure if the ball had carried in the hands cleanly he will as before consult the other umpire and if both are unsure a replay will be sought from the TV and the third umpire will signal with red or green light system as to the decision.

It certainly would mean more delays in the game but it is not often that help is sought as regards to the catches. Line decisions are however common occurrence like run outs and stumping.

The committee felt that as a mandatory part every international venue should have at least one absorbent roller to hasten resumption of play after a heavy downpour.

Overrate fines will not be imposed if a team is bowled out in 50 overs or less in a Test or in 35 overs or less in a limited over game. This is course recognises the difficulty of meeting the average of 15 overs per hour with only fast bowlers in action through such short innings and the fall of all wickets.

The captain's meeting of the Test playing nations on Friday produced interesting results as well. There was general consensus between the captains and concern about the decline in the standard of the pitches in Test cricket. This issue is to be raised with the Cricket Boards as a matter of priority.

The amount of cricket that is now being played was also discussed and the general consensus was that no more than 10 to 12 Tests and 25 to 30 one-day games should be played by each country. The programme should ideally include an eight week gap to allow players to recover psychologically and be able to overcome any minor injuries. The matter will now be discussed by the Executive Board at its December meeting. Last year 41 Tests were played and 111 one-days.

The captains meeting will be now an annual feature of the ICC. The Chief Executive of the ICC, Mr. David Richards said, ``Providing that both countries agree before a test series, artificial lights may be turned on. This will assist play to continue within normal hours of play.''

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)